Whitnel Elementary School

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I’m Danielle Norris, and I have been working in education for 3 years! What I love most about working in education is building relationships with each of the kiddos!
Outside of school, I enjoy anything involving water (kayaking, swimming, etc.).
A fun fact about me is that I am an animal lover!

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I’m Ashley Rector, and I have been working in education for 4 years. I love talking to the children and hearing their stories or thoughts. I love helping them learn and succeed at life skills. The excitement on their face when they finally master a skill that they have been struggling with is the best part of working with children.
I love to read, work puzzles, and crochet! I also love cuddling with my dogs! I live on a small farm with 8 dogs, 2 horses, and 4 cows.
I also love to go to the beach and Pigeon Forge with my sister and mom!

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I'm Amber Faulkner, and I've been working in education for 2 years. What I love most about teaching is hanging out with all my little miniature besties! When I'm not at school, you'll usually find me fishing or anything involving water! A fun fact about me is that I I have a 9-year-old daughter that’s my biggest challenge, while also being my best friend.

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I’m Megan Turnmyre, and I have been working in education for 14 years. I love to see the progress and the “aha” moments that my students have throughout the year. Outside of school, I love to crochet! A fun fact about me is that I love anime. 🙂

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I’m Liz Frederickson, and I have been working in education for 12 years! What I love most about working in education is seeing the most resilient students on the planet understand they are valued and loved!
Outside of school, I enjoy collecting vinyl records with my husband and travelling. A fun fact about me is that I spent a summer studying at a university in England.

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I’m Alaysia Ridges, and this will be my third year in the school system! What I love most about working in education is getting to pour positivity and encouragement into children who don’t always receive it.

Outside of school, I enjoy thrifting vintage clothing and other items. A fun fact about me is that I love travelling and have been to 3 countries and 19 different states.

One thing I want others to know about me is that I love decorating and doing DIY projects!

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I’m Lauren Caporaso, and I have been working in education for a little over 1.5 years! What I love most about teaching is the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life every single day. I love watching students grow—not just academically, but in their confidence, kindness, and belief in themselves. Seeing that moment when something finally clicks or when a student is proud of themselves makes every challenge worth it. I also love creating a classroom where students feel safe, encouraged, and excited to learn!

I love to read, hang out with my friends, work on my embroidery, and travel! A fun fact about me is that I have a cat named Daisy Mae (she is seriously the best), and I love the color YELLOW!

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I’m Katie Hoyle, and this will be my fourth year in education. What I love most about teaching is creating fun and long-lasting memories with the kids that go beyond academics. Being able to all laugh, joke, and smile is very meaningful to me!

Outside of school, I enjoy playing video games. A fun fact about me is that I am learning to speak multiple languages. I have two Shih Tzus, Kylo & Komi! 🙂

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I’m Cindy Auton, and I have been working in education for 24 years! I am an assistant in kindergarten. What I love most about working in education is knowing you have made a difference in the world.
When I am not at school, I enjoy spending time with my cat, gardening, painting, reading, participating in the Joara archaeological dig, and spending time with family. A fun fact about me is that I put on a one woman musical when I lived in NYC!

🐝 Bee the One to Meet Our Staff!

I’m Debbie Bryant, and I have been teaching for 28 years and working in the school system for 16 of those years. I will be an assistant in the K/1 combo class this year.
What I love most about working in education is seeing the expressions on children’s faces when they learn new things! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and going to church. A fun fact about me is that the beach is definitely my happy place!